2018 (Jawa) Yezdi 350 is direct competition to RE (Price, launch)

Lots of rumours have cropped up since Mahindra brought BSA-Java for an undisclosed amount last year. The Indian manufacturer is definitely planning to launch Jawa motorcycles in India by 2019, but the latter’s portfolio and exact release date is still in the distant news. However, some of their motorcycles are likely to be showcased at the Delhi Auto Expo, next year.

Owing to the popularity of the brand in India, Mahindra could launch Jawa motorcycles under the Yezdi moniker in the country. Their chief competition will obviously be Royal Enfield.

Here are some details of the Yezdi 350:

Price

Rs. 1.25 lakhs

Launch in India

Late 2018

Design

Retro

Engine

Unconfirmed

2018 (Jawa) Yezdi 350 Design, Engine & more

The new Jawa 350 has tried to re-live its past glory, and the bike’s retro-classic design does look exciting. The manufacturer’s chief competition-Royal Enfield, employs a similar design strategy and this has worked wonders for the brand this decade.

Design wise, the Jawa 350 is as retro as it gets. It has a lean body with large single seat, rectangular rear view mirrors, rectangular taillights, dual upswept exhaust and circular headlamps. There are also telescopic front forks, dual shocks and drum brakes at the rear. It would be appreciated if Mahindra equips the bike with better features and tech when it goes on sale in India, however, unless RE decides to do similar improvements, this is unlikely to happen.

Power for Jawa 350 comes from a Shineray (Chinese engine manufacturer) sourced 350cc engine producing 26 bhp of maximum power. In India, the Yezdi 350 can retain the same engine but it is more likely that the Mahindra Mojo’s engine will be adopted.

2018 (Jawa) Yezdi 350 price and launch date

The Yezdi 350 should be priced competitively with Royal Enfield’s 350cc range, possibly with the Bullet 350 Standard. There could also be choice of variants, the top-spec model coming with single channel ABS. Though not confirmed, launch is likely by late-2018.